Putting an emphasis on Savusavu, Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Parveen Bala has said Government was committed to seeing that Vanua Levu undergoes rapid expansion within a very short time.

During the opening of the Vodafone Hidden Paradise Savusavu Carnival on Wednesday night, Mr Bala said he was happy to announce a major redevelopment of the Savusavu market, civic offices and surroundings under a new master plan.

“The renowned location of Savusavu deserves a world class civic headquarters and developments to truly showcase and bring out the hidden paradise to the outside world will aim to do just this,” Mr Bala said.

“This is outlined in the FijiFirst Government’s integrated framework for change and to facilitate this further, a vibrant Look North Policy.

“The Look North Policy is expected to pave way for higher economic activities for this region subsequently, improving on the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Vanua Levu. Initial works on all such plans are already visible.

“Government has already committed to upgrade and seal roads in Vanua Levu,” Mr Bala said.

“This is in addition to improving water reticulation systems, extension of power grid and the proposed sewage scheme for Savusavu.”

The Minister said these are all part of the overall development anticipated for the North.

“The Special Administrator of Savusavu and Labasa Town Council Vijay Chand and chief executive officer of Savusavu Town Council Dharmendra Lal, have informed me that they also have some major plans in line with the Government’s Look North Policy,” Mr Bala said.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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